Sometimes I read tweets or inspirational quotes (next to a photo of a sunset, on a beach) or just interview quotes that point out how feminism could, or would benefit everyone. This is not to suggest all the problems of the world would be solved under a matriarchy. It is to suggest that we readdress certain balances and factor in things such as childcare, equal pay and bodily autonomy. I'd like to think this is what we are working towards, the other option of course is that women simply return the general treatment and we see out the end of days trying to out-sexism each other. Sometimes it seems like that's the answer some women have come up with.
While catching up on all of the Internet I noticed the feminist siteJezebel had posted an article on Disney Dick. That's not a new character. That's an article that contains portraits and descriptions of male Disney character's genitalia. Now, this is always kind of hard to address because it's clearly intended as a light-hearted piece that maybe parodies the way certain men's sites and forums discuss and analyse female body parts. Do I think it in any way furthers the cause of feminism? No, but Jezebel isn't necessarily about that. So is it OK? I don't know.
Let's be real here. I should break it to you that these Disney characters...aren't real. But I am required to write a few more words on this subject so let's continue towards what some might think a non-conclusion. Because many gender issues and life in general is not black and white there's rarely any kind of answer or justification in turning something on it's head to make a point. Instead you end up perpetuating whatever the original offence was and up the body count. It's why I often find Caitlin Moran's test of asking 'are the men doing it?' unhelpful.
Let's be real here. I should break it to you that these Disney characters...aren't real. But I am required to write a few more words on this subject so let's continue towards what some might think a non-conclusion. Because many gender issues and life in general is not black and white there's rarely any kind of answer or justification in turning something on it's head to make a point. Instead you end up perpetuating whatever the original offence was and up the body count. It's why I often find Caitlin Moran's test of asking 'are the men doing it?' unhelpful.
| You don't have to scroll down a comments section very far on a feminist article or site to see someone calling 'double standards'. Usually they have misunderstood or are trying to bend the argument to fit another subject that serves them better than, say, investing in the safety of women by education men not to, like, attack them. | If we flip the male gaze do we gain or lose? We get the radical notion across that women are sexual, that women talk to each other about sex and hey, we notice faults or flaws in your bits. |
You don't normally see "double standard" used correctly is what I'm saying. However can we demand more diverse Disney princesses (demand more occupations for the women of Disney) while making fun of admittedly fictional characters and their penises using various stereotypes?
Writing in The Daily Beast Emily Shire said: "it is perturbing to see the site proudly revel in the double standard of giving their favorite Disney characters "idealized" genitals and the villains smaller, less "attractive" ones. To briefly indulge in a close-reading of the Disney prince dick descriptions...Morissey perpetuates the same pressure on men to exhibit a certain physique that she critiqued Disney of doing to women."
If we flip the male gaze do we gain or lose? We get the radical notion across that women are sexual, that women talk to each other about sex and hey, we notice faults or flaws in your bits. What's interesting here is that it's presented with the justification that men can handle it. They won't read it and think 'something must be done about my unacceptable body!' A lifetime of not being objectified might have provided them with a resilience.
But perhaps we should test that out.
Squeamish Kate
Writing in The Daily Beast Emily Shire said: "it is perturbing to see the site proudly revel in the double standard of giving their favorite Disney characters "idealized" genitals and the villains smaller, less "attractive" ones. To briefly indulge in a close-reading of the Disney prince dick descriptions...Morissey perpetuates the same pressure on men to exhibit a certain physique that she critiqued Disney of doing to women."
If we flip the male gaze do we gain or lose? We get the radical notion across that women are sexual, that women talk to each other about sex and hey, we notice faults or flaws in your bits. What's interesting here is that it's presented with the justification that men can handle it. They won't read it and think 'something must be done about my unacceptable body!' A lifetime of not being objectified might have provided them with a resilience.
But perhaps we should test that out.
Squeamish Kate
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